A universal fixture for holding printed circuit board assemblies during stencil printing, pick-and-place processing, and other PCB assembly processes. In one embodiment, a universal printed circuit board holder has a base and a plurality of support members movably attached to the base. The support members may project away from the base along support paths, and the support members are selectively positionable along the support paths when the support members engage a side of a printed circuit board assembly. Accordingly, the support members may be selectively positioned at heights corresponding to a topography of the side of the printed circuit board assembly to uniformly support the printed circuit board assembly.
|
13. A universal fixture for holding printed circuit board assemblies populated with components, comprising:
a substructure; a plurality of pins projecting away from the substructure, each pin being slidable along a path with respect to the substructure to be selectively positioned at a desired height so that the plurality of pins conforms to a topography of a side of a printed circuit board assembly; and a locking mechanism operatively engageable with at least one of the biasing element and the pins to fix the pins against moving along the support paths.
18. A universal fixture for holding printed circuit board assemblies populated with components, comprising:
a substructure; a plurality of pins slideably attached to the substructure to move along support paths while engaged with points on a side of a printed circuit board assembly, each pin being selectively positionable at a height relative to the substructure to support a corresponding point on the side of the printed circuit board assembly; and a locking mechanism operatively engageable with at least one of the biasing element and the pins to fix the pins relative to the substructure.
1. A universal tool for holding printed circuit board assemblies populated with components, comprising:
a base; a plurality of support members moveably attached to the base to project away from the base along support paths, at least some of the support members being independently positionable along the support paths when the support members engage a side of a printed circuit board assembly to selectively configure the support members at heights corresponding to a topography of the side of the printed circuit board assembly; and a locking mechanism operatively engageable with at least one of the biasing element and the support members to fix the height of each support member when the mechanism is engaged.
24. A universal holder for supporting printed circuit board assemblies, comprising:
a substructure having a first surface, a second surface, and a plurality of guide tracks extending with respect to the substructure at least substantially parallel to a support axis; a plurality of support members, each support member being individually coupled to a corresponding guide track to be moveable along the corresponding guide track and project away from the first surface by an adjustable distance; and a biasing element operatively engaged with the support members to individually bias the support members when the support members engage a populated side of a printed circuit board assembly so that the support members conform to a contour of the populated side of the printed circuit board; and a locking mechanism operatively engageable with at least one of the biasing element and the support members to hold the support members in positions where the support members conform to the topogaphy of the populated side of the printed circuit board.
33. A universal printed circuit board holder for supporting printed circuit board assemblies, comprising:
a fixture having a first surface, a second surface, and a plurality of holes, the holes being open at the first surface and extending into the fixture; a plurality of support members positioned in the holes, the support members being individually moveable within the holes to project away from the first surface by variable distances along support paths; a biasing element operatively engaged with the support members, the biasing element individually biasing the support members along the support paths while the support members engage points on a side of the printed circuit board assembly to selectively position the support members in a configuration corresponding to a topography of the side of the printed circuit board assembly; and a locking mechanism operatively engageable with at least one of the biasing element and the support members to hold the support members in positions where the support members conform to the topography of the populated side of the printed circuit board.
41. A universal holder for supporting printed circuit board assemblies, comprising:
a substructure having a first surface, a second surface, and a plurality of guide tracks extending with respect to the substructure at least substantially parallel to a support axis; a plurality of support members, each support member being individually coupled to a corresponding guide track to be moveable along the corresponding guide track and project away from the first surface by an adjustable distance; a biasing element operatively engaged with the support members to individually bias the support members when the support members engage a populated side of a printed circuit board assembly so that the support members conform to a contour of the populated side of the printed circuit board; and a locking mechanism operatively engageable with at least one of the biasing elements and the support members, wherein the engagement of the locking mechanism with at least one of the biasing elements and the support members fixes the support members at selected heights relative to the first surface of the substrate.
2. The tool of
the base comprises a top surface and a plurality of guide tracks extending with respect to the base along the support paths; and each support member is operatively coupled to a corresponding guide track to move along the guide track and project away from the top surface of the base by an adjustable distance.
3. The tool of
4. The tool of
5. The tool of
the guide tracks comprise a plurality of holes in the base; the support members comprise a plurality of pins, each pin being positioned in a corresponding hole; and the base further comprises a biasing element operatively engaged with the pins to independently bias the pins when the pins engage the populated side of the printed circuit board assembly.
6. The tool of
7. The tool of
8. The tool of
9. The tool of
10. The tool of
the base comprises a body with a top surface, a plurality of holes in the body along the support paths, and a slot at an intermediate depth within the body extending transversely with respect to the holes; the support members comprise a plurality of pins, each pin being positioned in a corresponding hole; and the locking mechanism comprises a lock-plate positioned in the slot and an actuator attached to the body, the lock-plate having a plurality of holes corresponding to the holes in the body so that the pins pass through the lock-plate, and the actuator driving the lock-plate transversely with respect to the pins to frictionally lock the pins to the body in a locked position.
11. The tool of
12. The tool of
14. The fixture of
the substructure comprises a top surface and a plurality of guide tracks extending with respect to the substructure along the support paths; and each pin is operatively coupled to a corresponding guide track to move along the guide track and project away from the top surface of the substructure by an adjustable distance.
15. The fixture of
16. The fixture of
17. The fixture of
the guide tracks comprise a plurality of holes in the substructure; each pin is positioned in a corresponding hole; and the substructure further comprises a biasing element operatively engaged with the pins to individually bias the pins when the pins engage the populated side of the printed circuit board assembly.
19. The fixture of
the substructure comprises a top surface and a plurality of guide tracks extending with respect to the substructure along the support paths; and each pin is operatively coupled to a corresponding guide track to move along the guide track and project away from the top surface of the substructure by an adjustable distance.
20. The fixture of
21. The fixture of
the guide tracks comprise a plurality of holes in the substructure; each pin is positioned in a corresponding hole; and the substructure further comprises a biasing element operatively engaged with the pins to individually bias the pins when the pins engage the populated side of the printed circuit board assembly.
22. The fixture of
23. The fixture of
the substructure comprises a body with a top surface, a plurality of holes in the body along the support paths, and a slot at an intermediate depth within the body extending transversely with respect to the holes; each pin is positioned in a corresponding hole; and the locking mechanism comprises a lock-plate positioned in the slot and an actuator attached to the body, the lock-plate having a plurality of holes corresponding to the holes in the body so that the pins pass through the lock-plate, and the actuator driving the lock-plate transversely with respect to the pins to frictionally lock the pins to the body in a locked position.
25. The holder of
the guide tracks comprise a plurality of holes in the substructure; and the support members comprise a plurality of pins, each pin being positioned in a corresponding hole.
26. The holder of
27. The holder of
28. The holder of
29. The holder of
the substructure comprises a body with a slot at an intermediate depth extending transversely with respect to the guide tracks; the guide tracks comprise holes in the body; the support members comprise a plurality of pins, each pin being positioned in a corresponding hole; and the locking mechanism comprises a lock-plate positioned in the slot and an actuator attached to the body, the lock-plate having a plurality of holes corresponding to the holes in the body so that the pins pass through the lock-plate, and the actuator driving the lock-plate transversely with respect to the pins to frictionally lock the pins to the body in a locked position.
30. The holder of
31. The holder of
32. The holder of
34. The holder of
35. The holder of
36. The holder of
37. The holder of
38. The holder of
the fixture comprises a body with a slot at an intermediate depth extending transversely with respect to the guide tracks; the support members comprise a plurality of pins, each pin being positioned in a corresponding hole; and the locking mechanism comprises a lock-plate positioned in the slot and an actuator attached to the body, the lock-plate having a plurality of holes corresponding to the holes in the fixture so that the pins pass through the lock-plate, and the actuator driving the lock-plate transversely with respect to the pins to frictionally lock the pins to the body in a locked position.
39. The holder of
40. The holder of
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The present invention relates to processing printed circuit board assemblies, and more specifically to supporting a side of a printed circuit board assembly populated with components.
Printed circuit board assemblies are used in computers, communications equipment, televisions, and many other products. In a typical printed circuit board assembly, many electrical components are attached to the top and bottom surfaces of a printed circuit board (PCB). Since the electronics manufacturing industry is highly competitive, it is important to maximize the through-put of processing PCB assemblies and to securely attach the electrical components to the PCBs.
The manufacturing of PCB assemblies involves many processes, one of which is surface mounting components to PCBs. To surface mount components to a first surface of a PCB, a dispenser deposits solder pads and/or adhesive pads onto the first surface of the PCB, and then a pick-and-place machine presses the components against the solder/adhesive pads. After the first side of the PCB has been populated with components, the PCB is inverted and the process is repeated to surface mount components to the second side of the PCB. The solder/adhesive dispenser is typically a stenciling machine, and the pick-and-place machine is typically a turret-type device.
Manufacturing issues related to supporting the populated sides of PCB assemblies are best understood in light of the structure and operation of conventional stencil printing machines. Conventional stenciling machines generally have a stencil plate, a movable platform under the stencil plate, and a PCB holder attached to the platform. Conventional stenciling machines also have two spaced-apart, parallel conveyor tracks to transport the PCB along a conveyor line between the stencil plate and the movable platform. In operation, the conveyor tracks engage opposing edges of the PCB and transport the PCB until it is over the PCB holder. The moveable platform then moves upwardly and engages the PCB holder with the downwardly facing side of the PCB to lift the PCB to the stencil plate. A wiper then moves across the stencil plate to press the solder paste or the adhesive compound onto the PCB. After the wiper stops, the work platform moves downwardly from the stencil plate to replace the PCB on the conveyor rails so that it can be transported to a pick-and-place machine.
In addition to maximizing the through-put of processing PCB assemblies, it is also becoming important to accurately mount a large number (e.g., 1000-1500) of very small components to one side of the PCB assemblies. An important aspect of surface mounting processes, therefore, is to accurately deposit very small solder pads and adhesive pads at precise locations on the PCB. Another important objective of surface mounting processes is to accurately press the electrical components onto the pads at the precise locations so that the electrical terminals of the components engage the desired solder pads. The PCB holders must accordingly hold the PCB assemblies flat with respect to the stencil plate so that a desired volume of the solder/adhesive compound is deposited in each pad across the surface of the PCB. Similarly, the PCB holders must hold the PCB assemblies flat in pick-and-place machines so that the terminals of the components engage the desired contacts on the surface of the PCB. Thus, it is generally desirable to uniformly support the underside of the PCB so that it does not bow or dip.
To uniformly support the underside of PCBs, one type of a conventional PCB holder has a platform and a number of pins removably attached to the platform to engage open areas or components on the underside of a PCB assembly. The pins of this type of a conventional PCB holder generally have a fixed height, and thus to engage a specific component, a pin having the correct height to support the specific component must be mounted to the platform at a location corresponding to that of the specific component. Another type of conventional PCB holder may have a platform, sidewalls projecting up from the platform to support the perimeter of a PCB, and spacers positioned within the sidewalls to support interior portions of the PCB. It will be appreciated that the pins and the spacers of conventional PCB holders generally prevent the PCBs from bowing to hold the PCBs flat for surface mounting processing.
Conventional PCB holders, however, encounter several manufacturing issues when components are surface mounted to both surfaces of a PCB assembly. For example, one problem with conventional PCB holders is that the pins or spacers may not be at the appropriate height or location to uniformly support the populated side of the PCB. The pins and spacers of conventional PCB holders are configured manually to engage vacant areas or to have a height that accommodates the components on the populated side of the PCB. However, it is extremely time-consuming to manually configure the individual supports on the platform to engage the vacant areas on a PCB. Moreover, it is even more difficult to select and position pins with the appropriate heights to engage components on the populated side of the PCB. Conventional PCB holders, therefore, may not uniformly support the PCB assemblies during surface mounting processes.
Conventional PCB holders are particularly difficult to operate efficiently in the manufacturing of contract PCB assemblies in which multiple runs of different PCB assemblies with different configurations of components are processed in a short period of time. Unlike dedicated PCB assembly manufacturing in which a large number of identical PCB assemblies are manufactured in each run, the down-time associated with configuring PCB holders in contract PCB manufacturing may significantly increase the cost of manufacturing the PCB assemblies. Therefore, there is a significant need to quickly and consistently support PCB assemblies with different configurations of components in the manufacturing of contract PCB assemblies.
The present invention is a universal fixture for holding PCB assemblies during stencil printing, pick-and-place mounting, and other manufacturing processes of PCB assemblies. In one embodiment, a universal PCB holder has a base and a plurality of support members movably attached to the base. The support members generally project away from the base along support paths, and the support members can move along the support paths when the support members engage a side of a PCB assembly. In operation, a PCB assembly is pressed against the support members to adjust the height of the support members so that they conform to the topography of the side of the PCB assembly. The PCB holder, therefore, may be quickly configured to uniformly support the populated sides of different PCB assemblies with different configurations of components.
In another embodiment, a PCB holder has a substructure with a first surface, a second surface, and a plurality of guide tracks extending with respect to the substructure along support paths. A plurality of support members are individually coupled to the guide tracks so that each support member may be moved along a corresponding guide track to project away from the first surface by an adjustable height, and a biasing element is operatively engaged with the support members to individually bias the support members along the guide tracks. The universal PCB holder may also have a locking mechanism operatively engageable with the biasing element and/or the support members to hold the support members in a desired configuration in which the support members conform to the topography of the populated side of the PCB.
In one specific embodiment, the substructure is a base plate and the guide tracks are holes extending through at least a portion of the base plate. The holes are typically configured in a pattern, such as a grid, to uniformly space the support members apart from one another. In this embodiment, the biasing element may comprise a plurality of springs in which a spring is positioned in each hole, and the support members may comprise a plurality of pins in which a pin is positioned on top of a corresponding spring in each hole. To position the pins in a desired configuration, a setup board identical to a PCB assembly is pressed against the pins to move the pins against the springs. Thus, once the PCB assembly is at a desired location, the pins are at appropriate heights to uniformly support the bottom side of the setup board. The pins are then locked into position with the locking mechanism to support all of the PCB assemblies with the configuration of the setup board.
FIG. 1A is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a universal PCB holder in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 1B is a partial cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the universal PCB holder of FIG. 1 taken along line 1B--1B.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the universal PCB of FIG. 1 taken, in part, along line 1B--1B supporting a populated side of a PCB assembly.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a universal PCB holder in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a universal PCB holder in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a universal PCB holder in accordance with the invention.
The present invention relates to universal PCB holders for supporting PCB assemblies. An aspect of one embodiment of the invention is to provide a plurality of pins that are slidably attached to a base so that the pins conform to the topography of a populated side of a PCB assembly by pressing the PCB assembly against the pins. Accordingly, an embodiment of a universal PCB holder may be quickly configured and reconfigured to uniformly support different PCB assemblies with different configurations of components. FIGS. 1A-5, in which like reference numbers refer to like parts, illustrate various embodiments of universal PCB holders in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 1A is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a universal PCB assembly holder 20, and FIG. 1B is a partial cross-sectional view of the universal PCB assembly holder 20 along line 1B--1B. The holder 20 may have a base 30 and a plurality of support members 50 slidably attached to the base 30 to move along individual support paths P. In one embodiment, the base 30 is a substructure or fixture that has a body 31 with a top surface 32, a slot 33 at an intermediate level within the body 31, and a plurality of holes 34 through at least part of the body 31. The holes 34 define guide tracks that guide the support members 50 along the support paths P, but the guide tracks may be posts (not shown) or other types of devices that project from top surface 32. As best shown in FIG. 1B, the holes 34 may have a lower section 35 below the slot 33 and an upper section 36 extending from the lower section 35 to the top surface 32 of the body 31. The upper section 36 may have a smaller diameter or other cross-sectional shape than the lower section 35 to define a stop surface 37 at an intermediate level within the body 31. To close the lower sections 35 of the holes 34, a bottom plate 38 may be attached to the body 31 with screws 39 (only one shown in FIG. 1B) or other types of fasteners.
The support members 50 are positioned in the base 30 to project upwardly from the top surface 32 of the body 31. Each support member 50 is moveably coupled to a corresponding guide track to project away from the top surface 32 by an adjustable distance. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, for example, the support members 50 may be pins with a foot 52 positioned in the lower section 35 of each hole 34 and an elongated segment 53 positioned through the upper section 36 to project beyond the top surface 32 of the body 31. The support members 50, however, may be posts, rods or other devices that can slide along a guide track and support a PCB assembly.
The support members 50 may be biased upwardly by a plurality of biasing elements such as springs 40 positioned in the lower sections 35 of the holes 34. As best shown in FIG. 1B, the springs 40 may bias the support members 50 upwardly until the foot 52 of each support member 50 engages a corresponding stop surface 37. The springs 40 accordingly individually bias the support members 50 along the support paths P so that the support members 50 may move independently as a populated side 12 of a PCB assembly 10 is pressed against the support members 50. As a result, the height of the support members 50 may be quickly adjusted to correspond to the topography of the populated side 12 of the PCB assembly 10.
The embodiment of the universal holder 20 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B may also have a locking mechanism 60 to hold the support members 50 after they are positioned to conform to the topography of the populated side 12 of the PCB 10. The locking mechanism 60 may have a lock-plate 62 positioned in the slot 33 of the base to slide transversely (indicated by arrow S) with respect to the support members 50. The lock-plate 62 preferably has a plurality of holes or slots 63 (best shown in the cut-out portion of FIG. 1A) configured in a pattern corresponding to the holes 34 in the base 30. Accordingly, the elongated segment 53 of each support member 50 passes through a hole or slot 63 in the lock-plate 62. The locking mechanism 60 may also have an actuator 64 with a bracket 68 attached to the body 31 at either side of the slot 33, and a cam-lever 66 pivotally attached to the bracket 68 with a pin 69.
In the operation of the embodiment of the locking mechanism 60 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the cam-lever 66 rotates about the pin 69 (indicated by arrow R) and engages a cam lobe 67 with the lock-plate 62 to drive the lock-plate 62 through the slot 33. As the lock-plate 62 moves through the slot 33, the edge of each hole 63 pushes the elongated segment 53 of a corresponding support member 50 against the body 31 to frictionally hold the support member 50 at a desired height. The support members 50 may be released by rotating the cam-lever 66 in the opposite direction and pushing the lock-plate 62 back against the cam lobe 67 to align the holes 63 with the support members 50. The lock-plate 62 may be pushed back by another cam-lever (not shown) on the opposite side of the body 31.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view the embodiment of the universal PCB holder 20 of FIGS. 1A and 1B shown supporting the populated side 12 of the PCB assembly 10. The populated side 12 my have a plurality of components 14 and vacant areas 16 that define the topography of the populated side 12. In operation, the populated side 12 of the PCB assembly 10 is pressed against the support members 50 until the PCB assembly 10 is at a desired position with respect to the base 30. The components 14 and vacant areas 16 accordingly drive the support members 50 downwardly along the support paths P against the springs 40. The support members 50, therefore, "self-adjust" to support the components 14 and the vacant areas 16. Once the PCB assembly 10 is positioned at the desired elevation with respect to the base 30, the cam-lever 66 of the actuator 64 is rotated to lock the support members 50 in a configuration that conforms to the topography of the components 14 and the vacant areas 16. The other side of the PCB assembly 10 may then be processed in a stenciling machine, pick-and place machine, or other type of PCB assembly processing machine.
The universal holder 20 may be configured and reconfigured to securely support many different PCB assemblies with different configurations of components. For example, the support members 50 may remain locked in a single configuration to uniformly support one run of PCB assemblies that have the same configuration of components. After the run of PCB assemblies is finished, the locking mechanism 60 may be released to disengage the support members 50 and allow the springs 40 to drive the support members 50 upwardly until the foot 52 of each support member 50 engages a corresponding stop surface 37. The universal holder 20 may then be re-configured to support another run of PCB assemblies with a different configuration of components by simply pressing the populated side of one of the different PCB assemblies against the support members. Additionally, the support members 50 may remain locked in position to uniformly support the run of different PCB assemblies by actuating the locking mechanism to lock the support members in the positions where they conform to the topography of the populated sides of the different PCB assemblies.
An advantage of an embodiment of the holder 20 is that it uniformly supports a side of a PCB assembly. Unlike conventional holders that position pins or spacers under vacant areas or other convenient locations of a PCB assembly, an embodiment of the holder 20 provides a uniform pattern of support members 50 to evenly support the populated side of a PCB assembly. The holder 20, therefore, may be particularly useful in supporting large PCB assemblies that may tip or wobble unless all of the support members are accurately positioned and adjusted to be at an appropriate height.
Another advantage of an embodiment of the holder 20 is that it may be quickly configured to uniformly support the populated sides of PCB assemblies with different configurations of components. Unlike conventional holders in which the supports are positioned manually and the heights of the supports are adjusted manually, the embodiment of the PCB holder 20 illustrated in FIGS. 1A-2 may be quickly configured to support many different PCB assemblies with different configurations of components. Accordingly, an embodiment of the PCB holder 20 may reduce the down-time to configure an assembly line to manufacture different PCB assemblies with different configurations of components.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of another universal PCB holder 120 in which a number of cushions or inflatable bladders 140 are positioned in the lower portion 35 of each hole 34. The cushions or bladders 140 define a biasing element that operates similar to the springs 40 described above in FIGS. 1A-2. Additionally, the embodiment of the holder 120 illustrated in FIG. 3 operates in the same manner and generally has the same advantages as the embodiment of the holder 20 described above in FIGS. 1A-2.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a universal PCB holder 220 that has a base 30 and a locking mechanism 60 (as described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-2). The holder 220, however, has support members 250 with a lower end 252 received in a friction element 240 and an upper end head 254 positioned above the base 30. The upper end 254 may be a head that is wider than the support member 250. The holder 220 also has a lift-plate 256 with a plurality of holes 257 corresponding to the position of the support members 250 so that each support member 250 passes through a hole 257. In operation, the PCB assembly 10 is pressed against the upper ends 254 of the support members 250 to drive the lower ends 252 of the support members 250 into the friction elements 240. The friction elements 240 prevent the support members 250 from falling into the holes 36, and thus the friction elements 240 define a biasing element that is operatively engaged with the support members 250. The support members 50 may be locked into position with the locking mechanism 60, and then the support members 50 may be reconfigured by releasing the locking mechanism 60 and raising the lift-plate 256 until it engages the upper ends 254 and moves the support members 250 into a raised position. Another PCB assembly with a different configuration of components may then be pressed against the support members 250 to reconfigure the support members 250, as described above.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a universal PCB holder 320 in which the support members 50 are supported with a fluid 340. In this embodiment, a pump 350 pumps a fluid 340 through a valve 360 and into the lower portion 35 of each hole 34. To provide a substantially uniform fluid pressure in the holes 34, the holes 34 are commonly connected to be in fluid communication with one another by a number of fluid passageways 342 between the holes 34. The pressure of the fluid 340 is typically low so that the fluid 340 defines a biasing element that allows the populated side 12 of the PCB assembly 10 to drive the support members 50 downwardly into the holes 34. Once the support members 50 are in a desired configuration, the valve 60 is closed to prevent the support members 50 from moving in the holes 34. In one embodiment, the fluid 340 is substantially incompressible so that the fluid 340 and the valve 360 define a locking mechanism that holds the support members 50 in a configuration that conforms to the topography of the populated side 12 of the PCB 10.
From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the base 30 may have configurations other than the embodiments of the base 30 shown in FIGS. 1A-5. In alternate embodiments (not shown), the base 30 may not have a slot 33, or the holes 34 may be drilled down from the top surface 32 to have a substantially constant diameter within the body 31. Additionally, the pattern of the holes 34 in the base may be different to support different shapes of PCB assemblies. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.
Thompson, Sr., Curtis C., Abrahamson, Steve
| Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
| 10046399, | Oct 19 2015 | Lathe tool mounting expander | |
| 10096502, | Nov 23 2016 | XILINX, Inc.; Xilinx, Inc | Method and apparatus for assembling and testing a multi-integrated circuit package |
| 10131023, | Sep 30 2013 | Apple Inc. | Adjustable fixture |
| 10279456, | Apr 03 2017 | Xerox Corporation | Spring loaded suction cup array gripper |
| 10306949, | Jul 28 2014 | Nike, Inc. | Pin plate for construction of an article |
| 10336003, | Jul 22 2014 | Blue Photon Technology & Workholding Systems LLC | Method and devices to minimize work-piece distortion due to adhering stresses and changes in internal stresses |
| 10433617, | Jul 28 2014 | Nike, Inc. | Pin plate for construction of an article |
| 10457069, | Apr 03 2017 | Xerox Corporation | Apparatus for repeatable staging and holding objects in a 3-D printer using an array of pins |
| 10562175, | May 18 2015 | BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.; Hefei BOE Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd. | Apparatus and method for installing pins on a base |
| 10562464, | Apr 14 2017 | Aptiv Technologies AG | Vehicle mounted crash impact attenuator |
| 10633190, | Feb 15 2018 | ADVANCED INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS INC. | Apparatus for supporting an article during transport |
| 10669195, | May 11 2015 | Corning Incorporated | Apparatuses and methods for holding, retaining, and/or processing glassware articles |
| 10843252, | Sep 28 2015 | Bystronic Laser AG | Metal sheet storage device and metal sheet processing device comprising a metal sheet processing machine and a metal sheet storage device of this type |
| 10857655, | Mar 13 2013 | Applied Materials, Inc | Substrate support plate with improved lift pin sealing |
| 10870207, | Dec 14 2017 | STMICROELECTRONICS INTERNATIONAL N V | Barrel cap attach trays |
| 11018452, | Jan 28 2019 | HANWIT PRECISION INDUSTRIES LTD. | Positioning fastener |
| 11372459, | Jan 28 2019 | HANWIT PRECISION INDUSTRIES LTD. | Fastener for securing interface card |
| 11696427, | Nov 15 2019 | International Business Machines Corporation | Configurable printed-circuit-board-assembly component pressing fixture |
| 6264187, | Oct 13 1998 | GALAHAD, CO , A CORPORATION OF FLORIDA | Method and apparatus for self-conforming support system |
| 6276676, | Jul 30 1999 | Excellon Automation Company | Manual registration pin alignment system |
| 6293534, | Apr 12 2000 | DFL TOOL INC | Support device with floating pins |
| 6497403, | Dec 28 2000 | SUNEDISON SEMICONDUCTOR LIMITED UEN201334164H | Semiconductor wafer holder |
| 6508154, | Oct 20 1998 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Integrated circuit package separators |
| 6523819, | Apr 12 2000 | DFL Tool Inc.; DFL TOOL INC | Support device with floating pins bag |
| 6606955, | Nov 29 2000 | Xerox Corporation | Re-configurable pallet for use in automated manufacturing or material handling |
| 6635308, | Aug 22 2000 | SMART EMBEDDED COMPUTING, INC | Method and apparatus for electronics board retention during manufacturing operations |
| 6683466, | May 17 2002 | International Business Machines Corporation | Piston for module test |
| 6695298, | Oct 13 1998 | GALAHAD, CO , A CORPORATION OF FLORIDA | Flexible, self conforming, workpiece support system and accessories |
| 6702272, | Nov 02 2000 | Dek International GmbH | Compliant locking support fixture |
| 6718858, | Oct 20 1998 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Integrated circuit package separators |
| 6726195, | Oct 13 1998 | ASM ASSEMBLY SYSTEMS SINGAPORE PTE LTD | Method for ensuring planarity when using a flexible, self conforming, workpiece support system |
| 6749054, | Nov 01 2000 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Printed circuit board support |
| 6775904, | Jul 16 1999 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Supporting pin for supporting substrates in automatic equipment units |
| 6863169, | Nov 01 2000 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Printed circuit board support |
| 6863170, | Nov 01 2000 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Printed circuit board support |
| 6920815, | Oct 20 1998 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Integrated circuit package separators |
| 6945151, | Oct 20 1998 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Integrated circuit package separators |
| 6962248, | Nov 01 2000 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Printed circuit board support |
| 6966551, | Mar 27 2003 | Sogotec Enterprise Co., Ltd. | Unloading apparatus for plate-like workpiece cutting machine |
| 6971499, | Nov 01 2000 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Printed circuit board support |
| 7028391, | Jun 19 2002 | KPS SPECIAL SITUATIONS FUND II L P | Method and apparatus for supporting a substrate |
| 7073252, | Oct 13 1998 | Method for maintaining operability of a flexible, self conforming, workpiece support system | |
| 7089073, | Feb 17 2000 | MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO , LTD | Component mounting apparatus and component mounting method, and recognition apparatus for a component mount panel, component mounting apparatus for a liquid crystal panel, and component mounting method for a liquid crystal panel |
| 7093704, | Aug 17 2004 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Printed circuit board support |
| 7125010, | Aug 22 2003 | Rolls-Royce plc | Work piece holding arrangement |
| 7213684, | Jun 04 2004 | Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft | Device for holding a load on a load support of an industrial truck |
| 7276397, | Oct 20 1998 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Integrated circuit package separator methods |
| 7311302, | Sep 25 2006 | PRODUCTION SOLUTIONS, INC | Substrate support system |
| 7367252, | Oct 20 1998 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Integrated circuit package separators |
| 7484464, | Nov 25 2003 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Adhesive-based reconfigurable pallet system for assembly lines |
| 7513182, | Oct 20 1998 | U S BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL AGENT | Integrated circuit package separators |
| 7735815, | Mar 27 2004 | Airbus Operations GmbH | Holding device for generating a retaining pressure on an airplane component |
| 7942394, | Jan 07 2005 | ASMPT SMT SINGAPORE PTE LTD | Locking support fixture |
| 7963511, | Apr 14 2006 | Italpresse S.p.A. | Apparatus for moving and positioning objects to be press laminated |
| 7997891, | Apr 12 2007 | Purdue Research Foundation | Molding processes and tool therefor |
| 8234780, | Feb 27 2008 | Universal Instruments Corporation | Substrate carrier system |
| 8505178, | May 30 2008 | Production Solutions, Inc.; PRODUCTION SOLUTIONS, INC | Adjustable support tooling apparatus |
| 8770567, | Oct 06 2009 | Quickmill Inc. | Cushioned support platform |
| 8850695, | Jan 05 2010 | The Boeing Company | Printed circuit board assembly tooling |
| 9393678, | Sep 14 2012 | Metso Outotec Finland Oy | Head bolt tightening tool for a cone crusher head assembly |
| 9406539, | Feb 05 2010 | Tokyo Electron Limited | Substrate transfer apparatus |
| 9609756, | Jan 05 2010 | The Boeing Company | Printed circuit board assembly methods |
| 9821424, | Oct 03 2014 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Manufacturing fixture |
| 9845263, | Jan 23 2015 | Corning Incorporated | Apparatuses for holding and retaining glass articles |
| 9908676, | Aug 11 2014 | Corning Incorporated | Magazine apparatuses for holding glassware during processing |
| 9914200, | Aug 08 2014 | Corning Incorporated | Magazine apparatuses for holding glass articles during processing |
| Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
| 1453176, | |||
| 2754708, | |||
| 2882771, | |||
| 4088312, | Sep 27 1977 | Variable contour securing system | |
| 4200272, | Jun 12 1978 | BCIRA | Holder for irregularly shaped articles |
| 4206910, | Jun 28 1978 | Black & Decker Inc | Table saw fence system |
| 4572564, | Jul 12 1984 | General Electric Company | Adaptive gripping device |
| 4684113, | Sep 28 1984 | The Boeing Company | Universal holding fixture |
| 4770455, | Oct 21 1986 | The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the | Passively activated prehensile digit for a robotic end effector |
| 4838531, | Jun 04 1987 | JOBS S.p.A. | Apparatus and a method of support and retaining a curved sheet in position |
| 4936560, | Apr 14 1987 | Workpiece-support assembly for automatic machining lines | |
| 5120033, | Jul 03 1990 | Work table for wood working machine or the like | |
| 5218753, | Jun 22 1989 | HITACHI HIGH-TECH INSTRUMENTS CO , LTD | Assembling apparatus using back up pins for supporting printed circuit board |
| 5364083, | Jul 15 1992 | The Boeing Company | Universal holding fixture end effector |
| 5722646, | Aug 29 1995 | CNA MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS, INC | Flexible tooling apparatus |
| 5738345, | Jan 27 1993 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Device for generating a fixture |
| Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
| Jun 25 1997 | MCMS, Inc. | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / | |||
| Dec 19 1997 | THOMPSON, CURTIS C SR | Micron Electronics, INC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 009068 | /0198 | |
| Dec 30 1997 | ABRAHAMSON, STEVE | Micron Electronics, INC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 009068 | /0198 | |
| Feb 18 1998 | MICRON CUSTOM MANUFACTURING SERVICES, INC | MCMS, INC | CHANGE OF NAME SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 009138 | /0209 | |
| Feb 24 1998 | Micron Electronics, INC | MICRON CUSTOM MANUFACTURING SERVICES | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 009773 | /0430 | |
| Feb 26 1999 | Bankers Trust Company | MCMS, INC | RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN UNITED STATES TRADEMARK AND PATENTS | 009764 | /0834 | |
| Feb 26 1999 | MCMS, INC | PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS AGENT | SECURITY INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 009737 | /0203 | |
| Sep 29 2000 | PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS AGENT | PNC NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 011204 | /0892 | |
| Jan 08 2002 | MCMS, INC | PLEXUS PROPERTY HOLDING CORP | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 012418 | /0336 | |
| Feb 21 2002 | PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT | MCMS, INC | RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST | 012495 | /0867 |
| Date | Maintenance Fee Events |
| Apr 23 2003 | M1551: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 4th Year, Large Entity. |
| Nov 16 2007 | EXP: Patent Expired for Failure to Pay Maintenance Fees. |
| Date | Maintenance Schedule |
| Nov 16 2002 | 4 years fee payment window open |
| May 16 2003 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
| Nov 16 2003 | patent expiry (for year 4) |
| Nov 16 2005 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4) |
| Nov 16 2006 | 8 years fee payment window open |
| May 16 2007 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
| Nov 16 2007 | patent expiry (for year 8) |
| Nov 16 2009 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8) |
| Nov 16 2010 | 12 years fee payment window open |
| May 16 2011 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
| Nov 16 2011 | patent expiry (for year 12) |
| Nov 16 2013 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12) |